Big Buts of the Bible

One of the passages most often read before celebrating Communion is found in 1 Corinthians 11. There the Apostle Paul reminds believers to examine themselves before coming to the Lord’s Table.

That instruction has caused more than a few people to wonder: “Am I worthy to come?”

It’s a fair question.

Paul does warn against eating and drinking the bread and cup “in an unworthy manner.” He encourages us to stop, reflect, and honestly consider our hearts before participating in this sacred meal.

But notice something easily overlooked. Paul never says we must become worthy before we come. In fact, if worthiness were the requirement, the table would always be empty.

The bread and the cup don’t celebrate people who have finally gotten their lives together. They celebrate a Savior who gave His life for people who hadn’t. 

That’s one of the beautiful “buts” hidden in plain sight:

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:8

Not after we cleaned ourselves up.

Not after we won the battle against every temptation.

Not after we became respectable.

While we were still sinners.

Communion doesn’t invite perfect people. It invites honest people. People willing to acknowledge, “Lord, I still need You.”

The Apostle John offers another beautiful reminder:

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.